Canon has announced a new camcorder: The XA10. Designed to be compact and lightweight but still have pro features, the camera records full 1080p video using an AVCHD codec. The camera features a detachable handle, which may help housing options, a 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensor, variable frame rates, waveform monitor and peaking or magnifying focus assist options.

The camera has a 64GB internal memory and the ability to record to SDXC cards via two slots. The camera is due for release in March and will retail at $1999.

Canon Introduces its most compact and affordable professional camcorder: The XA10 CAMCORDER.

The Perfect Blend of Quality, Portability, and Pro Features for “Run-and-Gun” Shooting

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging, announces the new ultra compact XA10 Professional Camcorder, ideal for situations where mobility while shooting is critical. This feature-rich, professional model records Full HD 1080p video using an AVCHD codec. The ultimate professional camcorder for run-and-gun shooting, the compact XA10 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. With the handle attached, the XA10’s functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder. Capable of shooting in the dark, the camcorder features infrared video capture, ideal for Military and Law Enforcement markets, as well as Nature and Wildlife videographers. The new XA10 provides the option of recording to a 64GB internal flash drive or two SDXC-compatible card slots, as well as Relay Recording and the ability to record simultaneously to two cards for instant backup. Extremely portable yet packed with professional features, this camcorder will be the model-of-choice for on-the-go videographers shooting online news, celebrity reporting, reality TV, extreme sports, etc.

“We are committed to addressing the needs of the professional market with diverse and tailored product offerings best suited to their specific needs or production environment. We are making a statement that Canon will have the professional HD video solution for your needs, whether you are shooting in a studio, on the street, on set, or out in the wilderness. The new, compact XA10 camcorder is yet another tool for professionals who are shooting HD video on-the-fly,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom lens, Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor and a Canon 1/3-inch native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor which delivers outstanding resolution and quality. The Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom lens on the XA10 camcorder boasts a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 30.4mm – 304mm with an eight-blade iris capable of rendering natural, smooth background blur with reduced lens diffraction. The lens also features Canon’s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system with standard, Dynamic and Powered IS modes for steady video in most any shooting situation. Autofocus speeds can be selected from Instant, Medium and Normal to match the shooter’s preference. A focus ring on the lens allows for manual focus as well. The ability to focus manually combined with other manual features such as shutter speed, aperture control, and gain settings provide users with complete creative control.

For extreme low-light shooting, the Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder includes an infrared feature to help enable the capture of HD video in conditions with little to zero ambient light. The camcorder also includes an infrared emitter with a diffuser as well as a Green or White color option to shoot pleasing high-definition infrared imagery even in complete darkness.

The Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder features dual XLR inputs for external audio sources as well as a built-in stereo microphone. The new camcorder supports Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2ch) with automatic and manual audio level adjustment.

As with other Canon professional camcorders, the XA10 provides users with complete manual control of various functions including frame rates, zooming speed, focus, white balance and gain control. Various frame rates can be selected to match the user’s preference – 60i, PF30, PF24 and native 24p. Through internal menus, users can adjust zoom speed settings for High, Middle and Low in 16 one-step increments for both the body lever as well as the handle control. The focus ring on the lens can be customized for manual focus control and users can set the direction of rotation, as well as three levels of response control. In addition to the focus ring, auto focus speed can be adjusted for smooth auto focus transitions, as well as a Face-Only AF mode allowing for a blurred image as a person walks off-screen. The camcorder’s white balance is adjustable from 2000K to 15,000K in 100K increments.

The XA10 camcorder also features a waveform monitor for accurate exposure and detailed analysis of image brightness. The XA10 incorporates this high-end feature into the camera body itself, maintaining its compact size and cost effectiveness while providing professionals with the features they need.

Checking critical focus with the XA10 is extremely easy. In addition to the high-resolution LCD screen, the XA10 features both peaking and magnify focus assists. The camcorder also features Canon’s Edge Monitor Focus Assist system that is quickly becoming the standard on Canon professional camcorders. Through this dynamic focus feedback the user can intuitively tune focus in a scene and quickly change the zone of focus.

For in-camera cinematic effects, the XA10 provides nine different customizable cinema filters. The amount of filter effect can be adjusted in three levels (Low, Medium, and High) Additionally the Standard Cinema Filter function is further customizable through Color Depth, Contrast, Soft Filter, and Key adjustments.

The camcorder’s overall design is intended for comfortable operation whether gripped in your palm, or by the handle for low-angle shooting. Compact and lightweight the entire camcorder weighs only 1.7 lbs. and measures only 3.7 x 8.1 x 7.0 inches including the lens hood and handle. The 3.5-inch High Resolution –922,000-dot – Touch Panel LCD screen provides a large, vibrant display and can be flipped for solo shooting with the LCD screen facing the subject. The camcorder also includes an electronic viewfinder for more for use in bright conditions and where it would be difficult to use the LCD panel.

Embedded in the detachable handle are the camcorder’s XLR terminal inputs, audio switches, infrared light, tally lamp, removable microphone holder, zoom and record switches and a “cold” shoe. For easy connection to both Canon and third party wired remote controllers, the XA10 has a built-in remote control terminal (compatible with LANC protocol). A custom key and dial allow for more convenient, one-touch access to various functions such as focus or exposure and are set through the camcorder’s menu system.

The Canon XA10 Professional camcorder is scheduled to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $1,999.99.

The XA10 is compatible with Canon’s new WM-V1 Wireless Microphone* for seamless audio recording from up to 164 feet away. The WM-V1 also features a function for two way communication between the transmitter and receiver, allowing the camera operator and talent to communicate even if beyond earshot or in noisy ambient conditions. The WM-V1 will be available in May for an estimated retail price of $250.00.